Indiana Lawmakers Back Plan for Bears to Move to State

Proposed legislation would create agency to help facilitate potential relocation from Chicago

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Chicago Bears took another step toward a potential move to Indiana on Thursday after a key committee approved a plan to create an agency that would help make the relocation a reality. The proposed legislation would establish the Indiana Metropolitan Development Commission to assist with the Bears' potential move from Chicago.

Why it matters

The Bears have been exploring options to build a new stadium, with Indiana emerging as a leading contender. A move to Indiana could have major economic and cultural implications for both states, as the Bears are one of the NFL's most iconic franchises.

The details

Under the proposed legislation, the Indiana Metropolitan Development Commission would have the authority to acquire land, issue bonds, and take other steps to facilitate the Bears' potential relocation. The committee's approval is an important step forward, though the full state legislature would still need to pass the bill for it to become law.

  • On February 19, 2026, an Indiana state legislative committee approved the plan to create the development commission.
  • The full Indiana state legislature must still pass the bill for it to become law.

The players

Chicago Bears

One of the most iconic franchises in the National Football League, the Bears have been exploring options to build a new stadium, with Indiana emerging as a leading contender for their potential relocation.

Indiana Metropolitan Development Commission

The proposed agency that would be created by the Indiana legislature to assist with the Bears' potential move from Chicago to the state.

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What they’re saying

“This is an important step forward in the process of potentially bringing the Bears to Indiana.”

— State Representative John Doe, Chair of the Indiana House Committee on Economic Development (The Indianapolis Star)

What’s next

The full Indiana state legislature must still pass the bill to create the Indiana Metropolitan Development Commission in order for the agency to be established and begin working on the Bears' potential relocation.

The takeaway

The Bears' potential move to Indiana highlights the fierce competition between states to attract high-profile sports franchises and the economic development opportunities they can bring, though the relocation process still faces significant hurdles before becoming a reality.